ETUCE is committed to strengthen the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people. In particular, ETUCE combats homophobia and transphobia in the education sector; that is at school, in education institutions and universities, and supports its member organisation in their activities in this field. As an education trade union organisation, ETUCE focuses on supporting teachers and education staff. In this respect, ETUCE adopted the ´Joint Declaration to combat homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools, in workplaces and in society´ together with ETUC and ILGA-EUROPE.

The IDAHOT represents an annual landmark worldwide to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people and all those who do not conform to majority sexual and gender norms. May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 38 where same-sex acts are illegal, with 1600 events reported from 1280 organizations in 2014.

The role of families in the physical and emotional well-being of LGBTIQ people;

The social and legal recognition of Rainbow Families, the families where at least one parent is LGBTQI.

Material for campaigners and supporters to celebrate the IDAHOT can be downloaded here.

From the teachers’ perspective, several arguments encourage teachers worldwide to take action, among others: 1) The stigma, discrimination and bullying children suffer goes against their right to education; 2) Students who are different from the majority gender norm suffer most from violence in schools; and 3) Homo/transphobia is an entry point to tackle sex/gender-based violence in schools.